We open on a vaguely familiar
scene…..a very large and well appointed office.The furniture is oversized, the artwork excessive….everything is just a
bit overdone.To the side, almost in its
own little alcove, sits a large poker table that would be appropriate in the
finest casino.

A man sits at the desk, his back to
the camera.He speaks into a
telephone.He alternately talks and
pauses to listen.

Man:Yeah…a passport.Untraceable.I need to get into the US as soon as possible.Los Angeles.

A longer pause.

Man:About a week, I think.Have both business and personal things to
deal with.

Another long pause.

Man:I don’t care what it costs….I just need it
fast.Yes, of course.I’ll send a messenger over with the photos.

He chuckles.

Man:Yeah Arturo, I owe you.That’s not a bad list to be on, amigo.Adios.

He hangs up the phone and spins
around in his chair.

We recognize him immediately – Ron
Sawyer, Maddie Hayes’ former accountant.The nine years have altered his appearance a bit – gone are the cheesy
mustache and the Brillo pad perm.Now, he is even more sleazy looking, if that
is possible…hair slicked back, and, if we observe correctly, touched up with a
little Grecian Formula.

There is a knock on the door, and
without waiting for a response, a man enters.This is clearly Sawyer’s second in command, made in the image and
likeness of the man himself, down to the shiny sharkskin suit.

Jorge:You wanted to see me, Boss?

Sawyer:Yeah, I’ve got to go out of town for a week
or so, so I am going to need you to run the show here.

Jorge:No problem, Boss.Vacation?A little beach time in Rio?

Sawyer:No actually, I’ve got to go back to the
US….to Los Angeles.

Jorge:Los Angeles?Wow, it’s been…..

Sawyer:Nine years…over nine years since I bought the
casino.But I’ve got no choice.

Jorge:Some sort of emergency?

Sawyer:Family…if there’s one law of the west, it’s
that bastards have brothers…..

Jorge laughs.

Jorge:Boss, you gotta quit quoting that movie.You’re sounding a little obsessed.Besides, it’s set in Cartagena, not Buenos
Aires.

Sawyer:Well, bastards like me do have brothers…and also mothers…..and mine needs a kidney
transplant.

Jorge:You’re donating a kidney to your mother?

Sawyer laughs sarcastically.

Sawyer:Hell no, but I need to go and make sure that
my brother doesn’t weasel out of it.

Jorge:Isn’t it dangerous for you to try to get into
the US?

Sawyer:Got the Picasso of fake passports working on
it.In fact, this is really almost
perfect timing.There are a couple of items that need to get to the states,
and our usual couriers are a little hot right now.I should be able to slide right through…with
the goods.

Jorge:Sometimes, I don’t get why you involve
yourself in those transactions.You’ve
got all the money you could need coming in from the casinos.

Sawyer:A little excitement never hurt anyone, Georgie boy.It’s
the challenge…..the reputation of being a first class “exporter”….AND being able to slide one over on the cops.

Jorge:Speaking of cops, do you still have any
charges pending there?

Sawyer:Long gone…those ran out years ago.I bet nobody even remembers, or cares
anymore.

Jorge:I bet that blonde remembers.

Sawyer muses.

Sawyer:Oh yeah, Maddie Hayes.She was a spitfire, wasn’t she?I wish I had had the chance to get a taste of
that.

Sawyer:Well, I don’t intend to be renewing my
acquaintance with her, no matter how tempting the woman was.I am sure she has sunk back into oblivion –
gained twenty pounds, got married, and acquired 2.5 kids and a mini-van.

Jorge nods his head.

Jorge:Yeah, it was a long time ago.

Sawyer picks up a small manila
envelope.

Sawyer:Send one of the guys over to this address
with these photos.Ask for Arturo.

Jorge:Sure thing, boss.Anything else?

Sawyer:Nope.I’ll let you know when my arrangements are set, and we’ll go over the
final details.I know you could run this
place in your sleep.

Jorge:Thanks, Boss.

Jorge exits the room, and Sawyer
returns to his desk.He sits and muses
aloud.

Sawyer:Maddie Hayes…..what a dame.

He shakes his head, as if to clear
her picture from his mind.

Sawyer:And that was a lifetime ago.

He reaches for his telephone, and
begins barking orders into it as we

FADE TO BLACK

Act I

Maddie Hayes’ Office

Blue Moon Detective Agency

Noon

Maddie is seated at her desk,
writing checks.David slouches in the
chair in front, playing with a Slinky and singing.

David:If you knew what I had to go through – guy
just wouldn’t believe I was Madolyn Hayes.Had to lower my voice a few octaves and give
him my very special wink.

Maddie:David…..

She extends her hand.He proffers the envelope with a bow.

David:For you, my lady.

Maddie snatches it from his hand.

Maddie:Addison, you would try the patience of a
saint.

David: (singing)I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry
with the saints.The sinners are much
more fun.

Maddie:And if only the good die young, you’ll be
around forever.

She opens the envelope, finding
inside a typed sheet and another envelope, large and creamy white with “Madolyn Hayes and guest” written on the front in
calligraphy.She holds it up so David
can see.

David: (mocking)Oooooh…I’m a guest!

Maddie:Who says I’m taking you?

Maddie unfolds the typed page and
reads aloud.

Dear Maddie,

The enclosed is an invitation to the 20th
Anniversary celebration for Blue Moon Shampoo.They contacted us because they had a last minute brainstorm.The company is very eager to have you participate
in the celebration – in fact, they would like to discuss you being involved in
some of the publicity surrounding the anniversary.There is some money involved – not a great
deal – but they are hoping you’d feel a bit sentimental for the company who
helped launch your modeling career.

If you give me a call, I’ll be happy to go over what
they’re asking, and negotiate a contract for you, even though it’s been quite a
while since we could actually call you our client.

It would be lovely to see you, and work with you again,
Maddie.Hope you are well and that we
can speak soon.

Sincerely,

Monica Fordham

The Fordham Modeling Agency

David:Twenty years, huh?That means you were a fresh faced babe of
twenty two.

Maddie:I forgot – the day I met Sunny, I was
standing in line in the grocery store and reading an article about things that
happened twenty years ago.My picture
was under one of those “Whatever happened to…” banners.

She draws the invitation out of the
envelope.

Maddie:Nice…a week from Sunday at the Westin
Bonaventure.

David:I know that place…the scene of our first
date.

Maddie:Date?You’re kidding me, right?

David:Well, it was the first place you ever slapped
me!

Maddie:And… the first place you ever called me a
bitch.

David:What can I say…when I’m wrong, I’m wrong.

Maddie rolls her eyes.

Maddie:You were probably half right – wow, that
feels like a lifetime ago.

David:May I interrupt this wandering down memory
lane to ask whether I need to get my tux pressed?

Maddie:David, I’ve hardly had a chance to think
about it.I’m sure it will be a lovely
affair, but……

David:There she goes….

Maddie:You don’t know what it was like.The whole thing is just so invasive –
everywhere you go, people recognizing you, paparazzi following, taking your
picture.You never have a moment you can
call your own.

David:Well, it’s not like nobody recognizes you
now.

Maddie:An occasional “You look familiar” is a heck
of a lot different than being stalked and followed every moment of your life.

David:It was really that bad?

Maddie:Don’t get me wrong, there were parts of it
that were wonderful.I had privileges
and experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world.But years of constant attention just got too much to take.That’s why I retired early…just as soon as I
knew I was financially stable.

She winks at him, ironically.

Maddie:Haha…big joke on
me, right?Ron Sawyer, that louse!I haven’t thought of him in years.

David:Scumbag, yes….but in a strange way, I guess I
owe him my life.

Maddie doesn’t miss a beat.

Maddie:Him?Who sent you the money to get back home, Ace in the Hole?

David:As I recollect, it was a few bucks short.

Maddie: That was
motivation.I had to find out how hard
you were really going to work for me.

David walks over behind the desk and
puts his arms around her, kissing her soundly on the neck.

David:Guess we figured that one out, huh?

He continues kissing her, spinning
her chair around.

Maddie:David….

David is quite engrossed in his work.

Maddie:David, I really think we should finish this.

David:Finish?So quickly?…but you are always so patient, Ms. Hayes……

She grabs his face and gives him a
lingering kiss.

Maddie:As much as I would like to finish that,
it doesn’t fit into today’s agenda. Sunny and Ellie will be here in a few
minutes.Can I give you a rain check?

David brushes her hair from her
face.

David:Can I come to the doctor’s office with you
instead of working with Bert this afternoon?

Maddie:Nice try, Addison.

David:Damn.You’re such a spoilsport.

Maddie:Let’s get back to our discussion.

David:What’s to discuss?

Maddie:If I do this, it will have some impact on us.

David:Bottom line, Maddie, the decision is up to
you.If you decide to do it, Ellie and I
can be onboard in a flash.In fact, it
may be about time for our fifteen minutes of fame.Maybe we can get some new business out of
this too.

Maddie interjects quickly.

Maddie:No!

David:No?I
am not saying that it’s all about self promoting, but we might naturally pick
up some prospective clients with some buckaroos…and I don’t mean cowboys.

Maddie:“No” is not about the clients.I don’t want either you or Ellie involved in
this.I do have an obligation, and I
think I should do this, but God, you and Ellie!Not a chance.

David observes her silently as she
goes on.

Maddie:I can talk about the agency and our work, but
that’s it.And I won’t do any traveling.There are enough network bureaus in Los
Angeles that they can arrange it that way.

David remains silent.

Maddie:And we are not really overrun with work right
now, so there should be no problem with you handling the office, right?

She pauses for a moment from her
organizing orgy, and realizes David has been uncharacteristically silent.

Maddie:David?

David: (calmly)Have you ever noticed how often a discussion
with you turns into a monologue?

Maddie:Meaning?

David:Meaning that sometimes I am not quite sure
that you care what I think, but that somewhere in that noggin of yours, you do
realize that it is the right thing to do to ask.

Maddie:That’s not true.

David:Isn’t it?You haven’t even made the phone call yet, but you’ve got all the details
set, save where you want to stash Ellie and I for the next two weeks.

Maddie:Why would I want to stash you anywhere?

David:Well, clearly you don’t want the world to
know anything about us.Figured we’d be
banished to a desert island or something.

Maddie:David……seriously?

David:Feels an awful lot like the old days.Are you sure that a live in boyfriend and a
baby won’t tarnish the Blue Moon girl’s image?Might we embarrass you?

Maddie:Don’t be ridiculous.It’s the 90s.People don’t think that way anymore.

He mutters to himself.

David:Maybe they should.

Maddie:What did you say?

David:I said, I wouldn’t debate that idea with your
father…or for that matter, mine.

Maddie gets up and starts to pace
around the room.She takes a deep
breath.

Maddie:My purpose is to spare you.

David:Spare me?

Maddie:I’ve told you how distasteful some of this publicity
can be.I don’t want that for you.I don’t want this to change us…our
lives.I’d rather skip the whole thing
than have this intrude on our family.That’s all – nothing else.

David:Nothing else?

Maddie:I can’t believe after all this time, you
would still think that way.

David:And I still can’t believe after all this
time, you can still try to handle me…and everybody else.You are not going to be able to manipulate
this situation either.The press is
going to be curious about you and what you’ve been up to.And you are going to have to be willing to
disclose everything…or they’ll just dig until they get it anyway…or they’ll
make it up.

Maddie:So do we want our lives splattered all over
the tabloids?

David:Honey, I’m not really sure we’re interesting
enough to splatter.This is one
event…and a short period of time.People
will be curious, but I’m pretty sure it will not be life changing.

Maddie:I won’t have pictures of my baby published
anywhere.

David:Our baby….and
we are on the same page with that.I
just think you need to be prepared for the kinds of things that might come up
in your interviews.Strange
thing…reporters do research.

Maddie plops down on the sofa.

Maddie:Maybe I just shouldn’t do it.

David stands across from her,
observing her carefully.

David:Totally your decision….I just know, I’m very
glad that the Blue Moon Shampoo girl is the first thing I get to see every
morning….and I’ve got no problem sharing you with the rest of the world for a
couple of weeks.

She smiles at him.

Maddie:And there is the money.“Not much money” in Blue Moon shampoo terms
will probably be a tidy sum.We can put
it into Ellie’s college fund, so that she can be anything she wants to be.

David sits next to her.

David:Well, I certainly am fond of neat money.And of course Ellie can be anything she wants
to be…as long as she is not crazy like her mother.

She puts her head on his shoulder.

Maddie:Speaking of crazy…you know that I wouldn’t
trade you and Ellie for anything in the world….(BEAT)…most days, anyway.

David:I’m pretty much counting on it.

The intercom buzzes.David rises from the sofa and answers.

David:Entertainment Tonight…may I help you?

Agnes has a smile in her voice.

Agnes:Mr. Addison, there is a young lady here to
see you.

David:A young lady?

Agnes:Small…blonde…crawls bowlegged, but you don’t
mind.

David breaks into a wide grin.

David:We’ll be right out.

Maddie:I know you’re dying to go out and show her
off.I’ll stay here and make that phone
call.I’m warning you, though.I need to leave here…with Ellie…in a half
hour.

David:I can get her to do lots of her tricks by
then.

Maddie:David, she’s not a trained seal.

David:Good thing…she’d be eating us out of fish and
home.

Maddie looks at him, just shaking
her head.

Maddie:Go!

David rushes through the door
without even a backwards glance.Maddie
laughs to herself.

Maddie:I fear I’ve been replaced by a newer
model…and speaking of model –

She picks up the phone and begins to
dial as we

FREEZE FRAME

Act 2

Blue Moon Outer Office

Fifteen minutes later.

Maddie enters from her office into
something that can only be compared to a three ring circus.No detecting is being done – the noise level
is deafening, and David is in the middle of the circle of employees, demanding
attention.Ellie sits like a queen in
her stroller in the midst of all the chaos.All the girls are oohing and aahing over her. David is playing to the boys, extolling
some of his daughter’s accomplishments.

David:Look at how she holds her head up – extremely
advanced for her age.

He continues.

David:She’s practically sitting up by herself.Probably only a matter of days till she’s
walking.She is strong like bull.

Maddie shudders a bit, and walks
over to Sunny, who stands off to the side watching the whole scenario.

Maddie:Definitely some bull being tossed around
here.Enjoying the madhouse, Sunny?Welcome to Blue Moon.

Sunny: It sure is lively
here.

Maddie:Not usually – unless it has nothing to do
with real work.

Sunny:It seems like a real nice group of
people.They seem to love the baby.

Maddie:Don’t get me wrong, we love our Blue Moon
family.They make our days interesting,
I’ll grant you that.And they’ve been
through a whole lot with us.

Sunny:Sounds like they are true blue.

Maddie:That they are.Someday, I’ll tell you a bit of the David and
Maddie story, and you’ll really get how much.

Maddie:Excuse me everyone.I’d like to introduce you to Sunny Peoples,
Ellie’s Nanny.Sunny, this is our Blue
Moon family.

Sunny is swamped by the
group…shaking hands and swapping pleasantries.

Wobblies:Very pleased to meet you….What a great job
you have….Isn’t she the sweetest baby?...Who do you think she looks most like?

Maddie takes the opportunity to
remove her daughter from the stroller and cuddle her.

Maddie:Hello, my sweet girl.All ready for your doctor’s visit?

Ellie gives her a drooley grin, displaying one pearly tooth peeking out of
her bottom gum.

Maddie:You’re very proud of that, aren’t you,
Missy?Well, it’s so pretty, I guess it
was worth a few sleepless nights.

Sunny returns to Maddie.

Sunny:If you’ve got everything you need, I think I
will get going.

Maddie:Absolutely, You’ve got a bit of a drive ahead
of you.

Sunny:I’ll enjoy it.It’s a beautiful day and I can’t wait to see
my daughter.Thanks for giving me the
time.

Maddie:I’m glad we could.And an extra day at home with Ellie is like a
holiday for me…although David is proposing that we roll dice over who gets to stay home with her tomorrow.

Sunny:Why does that not surprise me?

David comes over to them.

David:That Bert…what a kidder!He says Mickey was laughing out loud at
Ellie’s age.

Maddie:David, it’s not a competition.

David:But it can’t be true…that baby’s part
Viola.This one is Hayes and Addison…the
finest stock!

Maddie:Say goodbye to Sunny.

David:Goodbye to Sunny…seriously, have a blast with
your daughter.And we’ll have one with
ours!

Sunny:She’s still got a curfew…right?

Sunny addresses Ellie.

Sunny:You be good for your Mommy, little one, and
try to get your Daddy to behave.I’ll
see you in a few days.

She kisses the top of the baby’s
head.

Sunny:See you two later.

Sunny exits.David takes Ellie out of Maddie’s arms.

David:I bet I can get her to laugh.

He starts to bounce Ellie up and
down, then lifts her high into the air.

Maddie: Be careful, David.I have it from a good source that she had
strained carrots this morning.

David rallies the troops.

David:Ok folks, I am now going to ask for your help
to make this beautiful and multi-talented child laugh out loud.

He proceeds to make a series of
funny faces and sounds.Ellie regards
him solemnly.

Bert:Try tickling her, Mr. A.

David lifts her little dress,
tickling her and blowing on her belly.Ellie rewards him with a grin.

(Author’s note:This is approved nudity as per the censors!!)

David looks at her searchingly.

David:C’mon kid, you’re blowin’
my act…let’s try this –

He starts pacing in front of the
baby, performing…

David:So, this man walks into a bar with…hehehe…a duck under his arm.Now the bartender notices this…and he looks
at this man and he looks at this duck, and he says “Where’d you get the
pig?”So the man…he looks back at the
bartender and he says…”That’s no pig, that’s a duck.”And the bartender looks at the man and
says…….

David winds up for the big
finish….he’s down on Ellie’s level, gesturing and making faces.

David:The man says, “I wasn’t talking to you….

Maddie and the staff:
“I was talking to the duck.”

David looks crestfallen, as Ellie
blows a raspberry.

Maddie:See, it wasn’t me, it was the joke.

David pleads with the baby.

David:C’mon Ellie, give your old man a break.It doesn’t have to be a belly laugh.How about a guffaw…a giggle….a snicker?I’ll even take a smirk.

Maddie laughs and takes the baby
from him.

Maddie:Time’s up, Soupy Sales.We’ve got to go.

The office staff groans.

Staff: (in unison)Bye Ellie!

Maddie:After the doctor’s office, I’m going to stop
at the modeling agency and find out more about the Blue Moon deal.

David:Don’t let anybody sweep you two off to New
York Fashion Week.

Maddie:I’ll give you a call when we get home.

David places the baby into the
stroller and leans down to Ellie.

David:I love you even when you’re not funny…like
your mother.

She rewards him with a couple of
coos.

Maddie:Ok Addison, time to go.

David looks at her hopefully.

Maddie:Not you Addison… her Addison.You…you need to
whip these folks into shape.

The doors open.Maddie pushes the stroller into the empty
elevator, and turns it around.She
stands against the back of the elevator, with Ellie in the stroller, facing
her.

She talks softly to the baby.

Maddie:You were a very good girl, my Ellie.Dr. Benz was very impressed – smart man that
he is.You’re top of the charts in all
categories – but of course, you would be.

The baby gurgles and Maddie smiles.

Maddie:I sound just like your father.Don’t you dare tell him.

The elevator doors open, and a group
of people enter.The doors start to
close, but a hand pushes them open.Maddie looks up – directly into the eyes of Ron Sawyer.Her eyes widen, and she feels a flush creep
up her neck.

He gives her a smirk and a wink, and
then turns his back, and faces the front of the elevator.

We can see Maddie go through a
variety of emotions.The baby starts to
fuss a little, and Maddie leans down, popping in a pacifier, and murmuring
softly to her until she settles.

The elevator proceeds downwards,
stopping and starting, people exiting…until Sawyer and Maddie are the only two
people left in the car.Sawyer turns, a
sleazy grin on his face.

Sawyer:Well, well, Madolyn
Hayes.As I live and breathe.It’s been a long time.

Maddie:I can’t believe you have the nerve to speak
to me as if we were friends.

Sawyer:It was a long time ago, Maddie.Let it go.

Maddie:Let it go?You stole from me – millions of dollars.How do you have the nerve to show up here?

Sawyer:Family obligation.Pure happenstance.

Maddie:Snakes have families?

Sawyer:Cute, Maddie.Yes, my mother is being treated here.

He looks pointedly at the stroller.

Sawyer:It appears we all have family obligations.That is a beautiful baby…but then, any child
of yours would have to be gorgeous.

Maddie refuses to answer him.

Sawyer:So in spite of the horrendous things you
think I’ve done to your life, it appears things have worked out well.I have wondered about that every now and
then, as I am sure you have thought about me.

Maddie:Yeah, I hoped you were roasting marshmallows
in hell.

Maddie’s raised voice has startled
the baby.She loses her pacifier and
starts to whimper.Maddie croons to her.

Sawyer:How sweet.Perfect life…perfect mother.All’s well that ends well.You
should be thanking me.

Maddie:You pompous jerk.You have some warped sense of justice.

Sawyer laughs.

Sawyer:Oh Maddie, didn’t you learn anything from
your trip to Buenos Aires?Did you and
your Bogart wannabe partner achieve anything by coming after me?Justice is what you make it…and what was
yours is still mine.

Maddie:Well, maybe that’s true and maybe it’s
not.I can’t help but wonder if the
police might not be interested in the fact that you’re back in the
country.Maybe somebody will let them
know.

The bell rings as the elevator stops,
and the doors open into the parking garage.Maddie pushes the stroller out without a backwards glance.

Sawyer, exits behind her.Maddie hears his footsteps, and realizes he
is following her.She whirls to face
him.

Maddie:What more could you possibly want from
me?Back off, Sawyer.

Sawyer:You’d better take your own advice,
Maddie.The statute of limitations for
my crimes has long since expired. Just
mind your own business, and forget you ever saw me here.

Maddie:You’re not threatening me, are you?If seems strange…if you have no charges
pending, why do you have the least bit of interest in me and who I might tell
that I saw you?

Sawyer laughs nastily.

Sawyer:You’re still such an innocent, Maddie.I’ve got your money and that is not going to
change.Just listen to me….keep your
pretty nose out of other people’s business and everything will be just fine.

Maddie:You know what…all that you’ve stolen…you’re
welcome to it.I have everything I need
now, and I’m certainly not going to ruin anything obsessing over the likes of you.Get lost…have a nice life.

She turns and walks away from him, quickly
pushing the stroller to the car.

His voice echoes eerily through the
deserted garage.

Sawyer:You heard what I said, Maddie.

She turns back, but he has
disappeared.

Maddie hurries to get the baby
settled into her car seat, hampered a bit by her shaking hands.She continues to whisper to Ellie as she
straps her in.

Maddie:That, Ellie, is a bad man.There are quite a few other words I could use,
but they are a little strong for your cute little ears.

Maddie hurries into the driver’s
seat.She locks all the doors and just
sits for a moment, breathing rapidly.

Maddie:What a creep.I really should call David….

Ellie starts to fuss, and it appears
she could be winding up for a good cry.

Maddie leans over the seat, and
positions the pacifier in her mouth.

Maddie: (soothingly)Ok little one, I bet you are hungry and
tired.We won’t worry about that bad guy
right now.How about we go out for a
girls’ lunch before our appointment?

She starts the car.

Maddie:Let’s sing one of Daddy’s songs……

Don’t worry about a thing,

‘Cause every little thing’s gonna be
all right

Don’t worry about a thing,

‘Cause every little thing’s gonna be all right.

Rise up this mornin',

Smiled with the risin'
sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs

Pf melodies pure and true,

Sayin'. ''This is my message to you-ou-ou,"

Singing the catchy reggae lyrics
with a confidence she scarcely feels, Maddie carefully checks out her
surroundings before driving away.

Fade Out

Act 3

Scene 2

The Fordham Modeling Agency

Maddie and Ellie are seated in the
reception area, Ellie sound asleep in her coach.

A strikingly dressed woman in her
sixties comes out of an office and walks towards Maddie, smiling broadly.Maddie rises and embraces the woman.

Maddie:Monica, it is so good to see you.

Monica:Likewise, Maddie.You look terrific.You were a pretty young woman, but you are
truly beautiful now.

Monica:Looks like with very good reason…seems you’ve
been a little busy.

Maddie:I hope you don’t mind me bringing her
along.Our Nanny is out of town.

Monica:How could I mind?I am thrilled to see her.She’s an angel, Maddie.

Maddie:Truthfully, she is not always angelic, but
she certainly has changed my life.

Monica:Little ones always do.Do you think we can move into my office
without waking her?

Maddie:Let’s chance it.

They relocate to Monica’s corner
office, and settle themselves onto a sofa with Ellie still sleeping peacefully.

Monica:So, it’s been a long time.

Maddie:It has.I was surprised to hear you had relocated to the L.A. office.You always typified the New York woman to me.

Monica:Things change…you get older.The pace is different here.I like it.

Maddie:You look wonderful, so it must agree with
you.

Monica:And how about you?Early retirement, a few rumors here and
there, then you drop out of sight – and we find you working at a detective
agency.

Maddie:We’d need longer than an afternoon to cover
all that.

Monica:Well, I’m glad this Blue Moon thing has come
up, if only so we could reconnect.I’m
assuming you’ve decided to do it for them?

Maddie:Well, I’ve got a few reservations, but I’d
like to know what they’re proposing – what you would need from me.

Monica:If you don’t mind, first, I’d like to do some
catching up—both on a personal level and for the background for the Blue Moon
job.So, what has the last ten years
brought you?

Maddie:Not a question easily answered.You know, when I decided to retire, I felt
that I was well invested and financially secure.Well, that was short lived.I ended up losing almost everything.

Monica:As I said before, one hears rumors.I think we contacted you about some jobs back
then.

Maddie:Yes, you did.But I was through with modeling.I needed something new in my life.And it came to me in the form of the Blue Moon Detective Agency.

Monica is furiously taking notes.

Monica:Your second Blue Moon – makes a lovely
story.So you became a private
detective?

Maddie:My partner and I took an agency that was
deliberately operating at a loss, and have turned it into a successful business
that supports us and a small group of employees.

Monica:I’m sure you’ve had some interesting
experiences.Will you be at liberty to
discuss any of them?

Maddie:Some of them.Quite a few of our cases have gotten publicity, and some of them make
for interesting storytelling.

Monica:You sound very proud…and very happy.

Maddie:I have a good life.

Monica:So, on a personal note….baby….husband?

Maddie:Well, not quite.In fact, the lines between my personal and
professional lives get a little blurry.My partner, David, is my partner in every sense of the word.He is Ellie’s father and we live together.

Monica:Sounds wonderful.

Maddie:It’s working for us.And Monica, I understand you need to work on
behalf of Blue Moon.I know there can’t
be any thing that comes up that might embarrass the client.

Monica:Well, I’ll run it past Blue Moon’s P.R.
group, but I can’t imagine two people living together will cause a stir in this
day and age.Half of Hollywood is doing
it!

Maddie:That’s good.

Monica:So you and David are fair game, and good
interview conversation.

She nods her head towards the
carriage.

Monica:But, how about this little darling?I’ve got to tell you, I’m just salivating
thinking about the beautiful pictures we could make of the Blue Moon Shampoo
girl and the new generation…the Blue Moon baby.

Maddie winces.

Maddie:That is one thing I can’t agree with,
Monica.David and I are willing to
participate in whatever way you’d like.And I’d be happy to talk about Ellie in the interviews, but David and I
agreed, we don’t want the baby involved.

Monica:I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I
understand.

Maddie:We’re going to wait and let her make up her
own mind about being on magazine covers.

Monica:Well, if I had a crystal ball, I’d be
guessing she’s got a future if she wants one.

Maddie:I’m rooting for her first cover to be the
Stanford Law Review.

Almost on cue, Ellie’s eyes pop
open.

Monica:Oh, look at those amazing green eyes.

Maddie:Those are courtesy of her father.

Ellie smiles and coos.

Monica:She’s quite a little flirt.

Maddie:Also from her father.This little apple didn’t fall far from the
tree.

Maddie smiles as she adjusts the
stroller and brings Ellie to a sitting position.She unearths a stuffed bunny, which she
positions near Ellie’s hands.Ellie
grabs it almost immediately, and stuffs the bunny’s ear into her mouth, where
she chews vigorously with her almost toothless gums.

Maddie:I’ve bought almost every teething aid known
to mankind, and her choice is to chew on the ears of that bunny.

Monica:Sometimes they do the funniest things.

Maddie and Monica speak at the same
time.

Monica:Also like her father?Maddie:Also like her father.

Monica:I’m really looking forward to meeting
David.I remember what high standards
you always had.It will be interesting
to see how they transferred to real life.

Maddie:He’s not who you would expect, Monica.He’s not who I expected for myself.But he is truly the best man I know, and he
is very good for me…even if I don’t always admit it.

Monica:Now I am even more intrigued.

Maddie:Well, I am assuming you’ll be at the party
next Sunday.You’ll meet him there.

Maddie looks at her watch.

Maddie:It’s so late.I lost track of the time.Monica,
you have been so kind and we are taking up way too much of your time.

Monica:Oh, I’ve been enjoying myself so much that I
didn’t even realize how late it was.So
let’s talk about the details.

Maddie:Sounds good.

Monica:You already mentioned the party, so you know
attendance there would be part of the commitment, including pictures on the red
carpet.

Maddie:That’s fine.

Monica:In addition, they would like you to be
available for two days of appearances and interviews.Those would be the Thursday and Friday of
next week, before the party.

Maddie:Print, radio, TV?

Monica:Actually, all of them.It would be a very ambitious schedule – dawn
to dusk, so to speak.

Maddie:Well, I’ve got a good support system at home
and at the office, so that shouldn’t be an issue.We’re not talking about any long distance
travel, are we?

Monica:No, we can arrange to have everything done
here in the Los Angeles area, which simplifies things a bit.

Maddie:That’s perfect.

Monica:The contract includes a car and driver for
the entire period, as well as hair and make up artists.Do you have a preference as to whom you would
like?

Maddie:Oh, it’s been so long.I could ask my hairdresser if he has any availability,
but you could take care of the make up person for me, if you don’t mind.

Monica:No problem.We have some go to people.So,
anything I’ve forgotten.

Maddie appears to be weighing
something in her mind, then finally speaks.

Maddie:Are there any provisions in the contract for
Security?

Monica:Nothing specific for you individually,
outside of the in-house security at the individual venues.Why, is there anything you need to tell me?

Maddie:No…but I think I would be more comfortable, given
a few of my past experiences, if I had a personal bodyguard.I’d be happy to pay for it from my fee.

Monica:I’d forgotten about that.It was an awfully long time ago, Maddie.Do you think you need to be concerned?

Maddie:I’d rather be safe than sorry.In fact, if you can help me, I would also
like to book some around the clock surveillance for my house while this is
going on.

Monica looks concerned.Maddie reaches over and smoothes Ellie’s hair
before she responds.

Maddie:Monica, I am sure I am overreacting.But it’s more than just me now.I have a family to think of.I guess I really can’t explain the
feeling…but if you’d ever been stalked, you would know what I am talking about.

Monica:Of course, we want you to be comfortable, Maddie…so
whatever you need.We will handle all of
it.

Maddie:Thank you.

Ellie adds her two cents, gurgling
and cooing.

Monica:She’s such a good baby.

Maddie:She constantly amazes me.

Monica:Like her mother did me when I met her.

She goes on.

Monica:Well, then I think there is only one further
item.I did tell you the fee was not a
great deal…but I think it is reasonable.

Maddie:And I know that “reasonable” in Blue Moon
terms is probably substantial for the rest of the world.

Monica:Well, it’s not supermodel money, but I think
you will be pleased.It’s six figures –
a low six figures, but six figures just the same.

Maddie:Well, as David would say, that’s a nice pile
of moolah.It
will make a good deposit to our Bunny’s college fund.

Monica:There’s our fee, which I am going to set at
ten percent…call it the “old friend” discount.

Maddie: That’s really nice of
you.

Monica:Well, I never got you a baby gift.Consider it my contribution to the college
fund.Then, once you take out the
charges for the security, and the standard taxes, it’s still a nice sum.

Maddie:It sounds fine.

Monica:I had a feeling it was all going to work
out.You were always one of my most
reasonable clients.Let’s put together a
contract, and I’ll messenger it over to your office tomorrow for a signature.

Maddie: Thank you so much for
doing this, Monica.You were so
wonderful to me the first time I walked into your office as a scared seventeen
year old.I feel like I’ve come home
again…only for a short visit, but I am happy to be here.And now we really need to get out of your
hair.

Monica:It’s been my pleasure…and will be Blue
Moon’s, I’m sure.I can’t wait to call
and tell them it’s a done deal.

Maddie:So I guess I’ll be talking to you.

The two women embrace.

Monica:You can count on it.Tell David that I am looking forward to
meeting him….and that he is a very lucky man.

Maddie laughs.

Maddie:We don’t let him forget that.Take care.Bye.

Maddie wheels Ellie out the door and
we:

FADE TO BLACK

Act 4

Scene 1

The Hayes/Addison Home

6:00 PM

Maddie shoves open the front door,
juggling Ellie and her diaper bag.David
is sitting on the sofa, already changed from his work clothes to jeans and a
sweatshirt.He looks up as they enter.He and Maddie both speak at once.

Maddie:You’re earlyDavid:You’re late.

David laughs, as he gets up from the
sofa and takes the baby from Maddie.

David:Are those words from an alternate
universe?Me early, you late?Actually, Viola was surprisingly non-annoying
today, and we finished up early.I
thought you would be home when I got here.

He kisses both of them.

David:So how did it go?

Maddie:It went great.Monica and I had a lot of catching up to
do.I didn’t think it would be so
late.Soup and sandwiches?Or should we call for takeout?

David:Either one works for me.Is the princess ready to eat?

He jiggles her up and down, making
faces.

David:Bunny want a carrot?

Maddie:Yes, she should eat now.Heads or tails?

David:I’ll feed her.You’ve gotten to play with her all day.Besides, I always burn the soup.Deal?

Maddie:Deal.

David babbles at the baby.

David:C’mon munchkin.Let’s go see if those knucklehead baby food
makers took any of my suggestions.How about
mashed chili dog?Strained Philly cheesesteak?Or
maybe we’ll just start with dessert first.

They start towards the kitchen, when
David realizes Maddie has not responded to his deliberately outrageous
suggestions.She is sitting on the sofa,
lost in thought.

David:HeeeeyyyyyMadd –ayyyy?

Maddie snaps out of her reverie.

Maddie:What?

David:Look at us, would ya?Who wouldda thought
we’d be so domesticated?

Maddie:Speak for yourself.

David:Really…ten years ago, did you ever picture you
making tomato soup and grilled cheese while I fed the little one…

His eyes sparkle.

David:Nachos and beer nuts?

Maddie chimes in automatically.

Maddie:Strained turkey and sweet potatoes.

David:Well, even that, I guess.Didya, huh?

Maddie:You’ve got me there.

David stops for a minute.

David:You okay?

Maddie:I’m fine.It’s been a long day.Let’s get
her settled and dinner over with and I’ll tell you all about how my day went.

Ellie and David are back in the
living room.Ellie has been bathed and
dressed for bed, and is swinging in her swing.David’s sweatshirt shows the remnants of a battle with sweet potatoes,
that it appears he has clearly lost.

Ellie swings forward, and David
teases, tickling her with her little stuffed bunny. She smiles and coos, but
David, of course, is still on the quest of her elusive laugh.

Maddie enters from the kitchen.

Maddie:That was a job.Can you tell me again how you got sweet
potatoes on the ceiling fan?

David:Well, I was trying to make her…..

Maddie:Laugh, yeah, I know.But do you have to wreck the house trying to
get her to do it?

Maddie sits on the sofa, and David
scrunches in next to her.

David:It was a fun dinner, no?

Maddie:Maybe it’s not a good idea to ask the
clean-up committee that question.

She laughs.

Maddie:Yes, it was a fun dinner.But we’ve really got to learn to let Ellie do
things in her own time.

David:Like sleep?

Maddie looks over, and the baby is
sound asleep in the swing.

David:Should we just leave her there?

Maddie:No, she needs to be in bed.We will be talking, and I don’t want her to
wake up.

David:Okeydokey…if I take her up, you owe me.

Maddie: I think I can handle
that.

David lifts her carefully from the
swing and brings her to Maddie for a kiss.

Maddie:Sleep tight, my sweet girl.I love you.

David:Be back in a flash.

Maddie leans back and close her
eyes.David indeed is back in no time.

David:And she is down for the count.

Maddie:She was so good today.Monica just loved her.And she is really looking forward to meeting
you.

David plops down next to her, and
slings his arm around her shoulders.

David:Must be something somebody said about me,
huh?

Maddie:Think I said unbelievable.

David:But of course.

He polishes his fingertips on his
shirt front.

David:So, if everything is so great, why have you
got that wrinkle?

Maddie:What wrinkle?

David:That wrinkle in your forehead that you get
when you are worried about something….you know, that semi-permanent wrinkle.

Maddie pushes his shoulder.

Maddie: I have no wrinkle, semi-permanent
or otherwise, on my forehead.

David:C’mon, spill it.Tell me about your meeting.

Maddie:It went very well.I have to work three days…next Thursday and
Friday for the interviews and such, and then Sunday at the party.We’ll have to do the red carpet.Is that okay?

David:It’s fine.I’ll start practicing my posing immediately.You are happy with all the details?

Maddie:Well, the money is great…six figures.Even after taxes and fees, it will be a good
sum.

David does a slow whistle.

Maddie:Car and driver, hair and make-up…the whole
deal.

David:Nice percs…sounds
like they thought of everything.

Maddie:Not quite.I asked them to add some security provisions – a bodyguard for me and
some surveillance for the house.

David observes her for a moment.

David:How come?I know there were some issues years ago.Do you have any reason to think that those people could still be around?

Maddie:Well, not necessarily those people.

She hems and haws.

Maddie:I would rather be safe than sorry.

She tries to keep it light.

Maddie:Guess who I ran into this afternoon at the
hospital?That rat, Ron Sawyer.

David:And there’s that wrinkle again.

He continues.

David: The South American sleazeball?Ron
Sawyer… in the hospital?Here in Los
Angeles?I hope he was in traction.

Maddie:No, walking around as free as a bird.

David:Well, how long has it been?Nine years?I think the statue of limitations on felony theft in California is four.

Maddie:Yes, he so graciously informed me of that. He
did have some nice words for you too…as I recall, he called you a “Bogart wanna-be.

David (smirking):Well, I might have gone a little overboard
with the look in Buenos Aires.

Maddie:He said he is in town because his mother is
having a kidney transplant.

David:I would have bet she would need a heart,
being part of his family.So, how did it
go?

Maddie:He got into the elevator with Ellie and
me.I got in a few licks, he got in a
few.

David:Ewwwww….you licked
him?

Maddie:Addison…

David:Just watching out for where you put your
tongue.

Maddie:I made some comment about checking with the
police about the charges, and he followed me out of the elevator into the
parking garage.I insinuated that maybe
those weren’t the only charges he was worried about.Then he got nasty.

David starts to burn.

David:How nasty?

Maddie:Scary nasty, threatening.He told me to forget I ever saw him
there.I didn’t like the way he was
looking at me and the baby.

David:Did he touch you or her….try to?

Maddie:No, she was a little upset, but I think it
was just the loud voices.He told me to
remember what he said, and then he just disappeared.I got Ellie settled in the car as fast as I
could and just sped out of there.

David looks at her and sighs.

David:Maddie, what time was this?

Maddie:I don’t know, a little after two, I guess.

David repeats, as if he were
speaking to himself.

David:A little after two….

Maddie:I know what you’re thinking.I thought about calling you, but the baby was
upset, and I was scared.I had to get
out of there.

David:And then you went out to lunch, and to a
three hour business meeting.No chance
you could have squeezed in a short phone call?

Maddie:Don’t be mad…please.

David shakes his head.

David:Maddie, I’m not mad.I guess I’m…..I don’t know what I am.I wish you would start thinking that you
don’t have to handle everything on your own.

Maddie:I know I don’t.

David:But you keep trying to do it.I want you to lean on me, I want you to need
me.You and Ellie are the most important
things in my life.

Maddie gets teary eyed.She grabs onto him, fisting his shirt.

Maddie:I do need you….we do.I was just so shook up, and I tried to tell
myself I was overreacting.I’m sorry.

David:I know, honey.The important part is that you’re fine.I love that you are strong.I would love it more if you acted like you
know we are stronger together.

Maddie:Do you think we need to be worried?

David:I think we would be foolish not to be.You felt clearly threatened –threatened
enough to set up the security arrangements with Monica – which was a pretty
smart thing to do, I might add.

He wipes a tear from her face.

David:I think we need to get some questions
answered.

He walks to the phone and dials.

David:Smitty?Dave…..yeah, I know it’s my turn for the
poker game…but I have something else I need to run by you…Maddie feels she was
threatened by someone from her past.Any
chance you can swing by here and let us run the details by you?

He listens, while Maddie watches and
listens intently.

David:Sure...tomorrow morning would be fine….listen
do you know anybody who has some experience with the felony theft laws?....any
chance you could bring her along?....Thanks buddy, I owe you.See you in the AM.

David returns to the sofa, pulling
Maddie in close.

David:Okay, Smitty and
another detective will stop by in the morning and we can ask what they
think.He’ll know what, if anything, we
should do.

Maddie:David, I also think I was so afraid you would
get crazy…possibly go after him.

David:I can’t deny, that’s a thought.But we have a baby…..that certainly makes us
more vulnerable…and maybe a little saner. As much as I know I would like to
smash his face for scaring you and Ellie, I know it’s not the way to go right
now.

Maddie:Good.David, I wasn’t really honest with Monica either.I told her I was worried about the security
because of the stalker problem I had in the past.Should I let her know?

David:I think for right now, we should just sit
tight until we see what they have to say in the morning.Once we have the facts, then we can decide
what we need to do…or not do.

Maddie:All because of that jerk.I thought I was mad when he stole my
money.But you have no idea how I felt
when I though he was threatening us….our family.

David:Ssssh…..we’ll talk
about it tomorrow.

They sit together in silence for a
moment.Maddie looks up at David.

Maddie:David, is this episode almost over?

David:I think it’s a two parter.

Maddie:But isn’t it a rule….doesn’t there have to be
a case?

David:Baby, I think we just became the case.

FREEZE FRAME

Act 4

Scene 3

The Hayes Addison Living Room

The Next Morning

David and Maddie are seated on the
sofa.Detective Smith, and his female
partner, Detective Malone, are seated on chairs opposite the sofa.They are listening intently as David wraps up.

David:So that is the Buenos Aires part of the
story.It was nine years ago.

Smitty:I’ve got to hand it to you, Maddie, there
aren’t many women I know who would have been gutsy enough to follow that
lowlife to South America.

Maddie:For all the good it did.

David:We got a week’s vacation out of it.

Maddie:You got a week, I got three days.

David:Anyway…Detective Malone.What’s the deal on the felony theft laws?

Malone:Call me Dana, please.And I am afraid that you’re right…there would
be no active charges on a nine year old felony theft case…unless there were
other circumstances.

Maddie:Like?

Malone:Did any of the cases involve
murder…kidnapping…any other capital crimes?

Maddie:No, just a bunch of unsuspecting clients who
got fleeced.

Malone:So then, no…he wouldn’t have to worry about
anything he did back then.

David:All right.So what about the threats he made to Maddie yesterday?

The calm that David has exhibited
during this whole ordeal is beginning to crumble.

David:So, let me get this straight.He would have to threaten to attack her…or
something worse, in order for the police to take the threat seriously?

Smitty:The guy’s no dummy – he knew just how far he
could push – and I am afraid he said nothing that went beyond what would merely
be considered a nuisance.

David:Freakin’
semantics.What about intent?

Smitty:Hey, I’m on your side, buddy.

David:So we do nothing?

Smitty:Dave, we can file a complaint if you want
to…try to get a restraining order…but I am going to advise against it.

David (deliberately):And why would that be?

Smitty:A couple of reasons.If the guy is just here for his mother’s
operation, he’ll probably be gone in a few days.And the arrangements that Maddie has made for
the security details should give you some peace of mind.

Maddie:We accelerated that as well.They’re outside now, and will remain at least
through the Blue Moon gala.

David:But would filing a restraining order hurt?

Smitty:To get a restraining order, you would have to
go to court…present evidence.It’s not a
fast process, and it is not a guarantee you would even get one.The other thing is, it could generate some
publicity.

David:I don’t give a damn about publicity.

Maddie:But we need to think about it, David.If you think we should try it, then I would feel
honor bound to cancel the contract with Blue Moon.

David looks at Smitty
carefully.

David:I need to be positive that Maddie and Ellie
will be safe.

Smitty:Dave, you know as well as I do, that there
are no guarantees on that.But, I truly
believe, that the whole thing was just a bunch of idle threats from a guy who
gets his rocks off playing the big shot.

David:Maddie, how do you feel?

Maddie:I agree that we have taken some reasonable
precautions, and I really would like to fulfill my obligation to Blue
Moon.But there is something that still
bothers me – he actually didn’t threaten me until I insinuated he might be
guilty of other things – maybe more recent crimes.

Smitty:That’s a good observation.I’ll tell you what – let me nose around,
unofficially, talk to some of the guys who deal with international crimes – and
see if there’s anything out there that smells funny.

David and Maddie exchange glances,
coming to an unspoken agreement.

David:I guess that is the way to go for now.And you’ll let us know if you find anything
at all.

Smitty:Count on it.But don’t expect to hear anything for a few days.The wheels of international justice move
slowly…especially on the weekends.

David:Jesus, Smitty,
don’t go all Dragnet on me.

Smitty:Trust me, Dave.It’s gonna be fine.And this is exactly the way I would handle it
if it were my wife that had been threatened.

He realizes what he said…..

Smitty:Errrr.. you know
what I mean.We’ve gotta get
moving.I will stop and have a word with
the security guys on our way out.

Malone:It was a pleasure to meet both of you.Please call if you need anything or have any
questions.

Maddie:Thank you both so much.

Smitty smacks David on the shoulder.

Smitty:Start working on that poker game, son.I’m expecting the primo snacks.

David:You’ve got it.Thanks, buddy.

Smitty and Malone exit.Maddie and David look at each other.

Maddie:Are you okay with all of that?

David:Guess I’ll have to be.You?

Maddie:I’ll be fine.We’ll be fine.Shouldn’t you go
get ready for work?

David:No way, Jose.Today, I’m staying home with my girls.

Maddie:David…..

David:Why should you get to have all the fun?It’s Nanny’s day out, and we’re both staying
home.Agnes and Bert have everything
under control.